Body Temperature: Sweating & Coldness / Question
Published: September 10, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I get sweaty hands. It's really embarrassing at school when we do dancing or I'm shaking hands, or I'm making hand interaction - and I don't want a boyfriend because I would be embarrassed of my hands getting sweaty. I researched a little about this and found out its called hyperhidrious, and I'm always paranoid about my hands. There isn't a day I don't think about my hands becoming sweaty. Please help me-should I see a doctor or how can I prevent my hands from sweating?
Signed: Sweaty Hands
Dear Sweaty Hands,
TeenHealthFX realizes that this is an incredibly frustrating and embarrassing problem.
Many people get sweaty hands and it is sometimes caused by anxiety. Certain hormones in our brains are released when we feel nervous or anxious. This causes our hands to get hot and sweaty. In order to prevent this, try to stay relaxed and calm. Try not to think about your sweaty hands so much, when you do, more hormones will be released because your body is becoming anxious. As your fears of embarrassment fade, so will your sweaty hands.
This said you may want to have your sweaty hands checked out by a doctor. As you said, in certain cases sweaty hands can be diagnosed medically as "Palmar Hyperhidrosis". Persons with Palmer Hyperhidrosis often seek treatment when the condition causes them a great deal of distress. We are talking about having difficulty holding a pen, tools, buttons and social isolation. Perhaps the most distressing result of Palmar Hyperhidrosis is the discomfort and embarrassment caused by the simple act of shaking hands.
As far as being embarrassed to have a boyfriend because he will not like your sweaty hands, I would try not to worry. The first few times you go out he will be just as nervous and will not be able to tell the difference between your sweaty hands and his, by then you should feel more relaxed and enjoy being with him and forget all about those hands.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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